BLACK HISTORY MONTH UK (2024)

Our Story[1] is the story of individuals and peoples of African origin, classified as “Blacks”, and their contributions to the development and growth of civilisations from antiquity to the present. And in the specific case of Britain, our Black History Month UK is our stories as chronicled and retold of our seminal achievements and innovative contributions to the social, political and cultural development and well-being of the United Kingdom.

These achievements and contributions of Africans, “both at home and abroad”, must no longer be hidden under the bushel. Hidden by omission or denial from our children, black or white, growing up in post-Brexit UK. Denied being fed and nurtured in the communion of these accomplishments and contributions for the security of succeeding generations and the stability of our common wealth.

Black History Month was refashioned to give meaning and teeth to the Race Relations and Equality Acts in the UK. It is the institutional recognition and propagation of the contributions of peoples of African descent to the value systems and way of life of British society that will make black life to matter. It is the assertion and affirmation that “Black Life Matters”.

Black History Month thus presents an engaging space of mutual reflection, examination, evaluation, planning and action to free society of the vestiges of imperialism and colonialism in order to reorder society in our collective national interest.

On the thirtieth year of its establishment in the UK, Black History Month calls on the nation to pull out of their archives, basem*nts and lofts the evidence of their ancestors’ encounter with Africa and its Diaspora. To reveal the historical treasures of these encounters – hidden hereditary motifs, cultural insignia and family narratives – to heal, reconnect and celebrate our common humanity, giving meaning and real value to Great Britain.

This common humanity can be enriched by the awakened consciousness of the African Diaspora in the UK by a conscious intermingling and distillation of our common purpose and destiny, by securing our one humanity, our common historical antecedents, our collective destiny and a shared historical encounter and journey enriched by our contributions, then and now.

Black History month seeks to establish shared communal platforms upon which this common purpose is elevated with shared values, a collective re-ordering of British society based on freedom and justice, an unequivocal commitment to the aspirational goal of equality and a validation of the political, social and cultural signatures of the country’s BAME communities.

In addition to the 30th anniversary of Black History Month, there are two such signatures that need to be acknowledge and commemorated this year.

The first is the Notting Hill Carnival; one of the most celebrated members of a vast diasporic network of Carnivals in the major cities of the world. The Notting Hill Carnival is a refashioning and reinterpretation of the Trinidad Carnival and represents the most iconic signature of the Black presence in the UK. This event encompasses the extremes of performance culture. It is not a singular art form but an integrated framework for live performances in public spaces that are rooted in a diversity of art forms involving the human body, space and time.

Over its 50 plus years of existence, the Carnival’s integrated framework includes every aspect of the imprinting of this Black presence on the social, political and cultural landscape of the UK – resistance, resurgence and artistry. From the resistance of black youths to Police Brutality in 1976 to showcasing the artistry of Carnival in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee parade along the Mall.

The second signature worthy of special mention is the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the SS Empire Windrush in 1948 bringing 492 passengers from the Caribbean.

Significantly, many of the 492 passengers weremilitary personnel, deported after World War 11 when injured white military personnel refused to share hospital wards with any black military personnel.

Lord Millner, the ColonialSecretary, is reputed to have said, “The deportation of wounded military personnel from the West Indies in one of the greatest travesties of justice, imposed on a people who have and were prepared to lay down their lives in defence of Britain.”

The majority ofthose whopaid £28 10s fare to travel to Britain, were therefore war veterans. They belonged to a distinguished cohort of black military personnel contributing to the country’s war effort.

Over 15,000 people from the Caribbean volunteered tojoin the fight against Hitler with thousands more serving as merchant seamen. The RAF had more recruits from the Caribbean than any other part of the British Empire: 400 pilots and air crew and 6,000 ground staff.

Black History Month acknowledges these signature moments in the history of the UK. For the next 30 years, it is our hope that young historians and activists will accept the baton that is being passed on to challenge the rest of British society every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every week and month as made manifest by the cyclical month of October or the period of the Autumn Equinox so propitious to the communal life of the African.

Our original goal was to first create an enabling cultural space in the UK celebratory calendar and after public acceptance and recognition extend the observance of October as a month to a Black History Season. To make Black History Season a celebration of the magnificence of cultural diversity and the enriching value in peaceful co-existence. To the African mind, to achieve harmony – both the black and white keys of the organ in tune.

[1] Our Story: A Handbook of African History and Contemporary Issues, ed. Akyaaba Addai-Sebo & Ansel Wong, London Strategic Policy Unit, 1988

BLACK HISTORY MONTH UK (2024)

FAQs

How is Black History Month in the UK? ›

The UK Black History Month was first launched in the 1980s in London and is celebrated in October. Its aim was to educate the local community on the challenges of racism and about the black history that wasn't taught in schools as well as give children and young people the chance to celebrate their origins.

How to celebrate Black History Month at Work UK? ›

Things to do for Black History Month
  1. Create a safe space.
  2. Share Black History Month facts and knowledge.
  3. Attend webinars and events.
  4. Get together and share Black History Month recipes.
  5. Promote the visibility of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people.
  6. Share resources with your colleagues.

What is Black History Month 1 paragraph? ›

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

What is the theme of Black History Month in the UK? ›

This year's theme for Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives,” and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. By emphasising “Reclaiming Narratives,” we shine a brighter light on our stories, allegories, and history.

What Colours are Black History Month UK? ›

The four colours that are used for Black History Month are black, red, yellow and green. Black represents resilience, red denotes blood, yellow is optimism and justice, and green symbolises rich greenery.

How do you respectfully honor Black History Month? ›

How to Celebrate Black History Month at Work
  1. Engage Your Team in a Fun and Inspiring Experiences. ...
  2. Honor Black Musicians and Performers in the Music Evolution Event. ...
  3. Create a Black History Month Playlist. ...
  4. Learn from a Local Black Historian or Speaker. ...
  5. Explore Your Local Black History Museum.

How to honor Black History Month in 2024? ›

Celebrate Black History Month 2024
  1. Cultural Expressions Exhibition. ...
  2. (Re)Creating the Narrative: The Black Women's Literary Renaissance of the 1970s. ...
  3. The Power of The Press. ...
  4. Historic Members of the Harlem Writers Guild. ...
  5. Learning Journeys for the Classroom, Home and Museum Visits. ...
  6. Taking the Stage Exhibition.

How did Black History Month start? ›

Black History Month

Woodson's devotion to showcasing the contributions of Black Americans bore fruit in 1926 when he launched Negro History Week in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Woodson's concept was later expanded into Black History Month.

Why is Feb a Black History Month? ›

Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform. It is commonly said that Woodson selected February to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively.

Why is Black history so important? ›

Black history is world history. Black History Month represents Black influence around the world. Today, we not only celebrate the Black astronauts, scientists, inventors, artists, and activists of the past; we also celebrate the rise of Black business, arts, and literature that will influence the future.

Who is a famous black person? ›

Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks are often elevated—and with good reason. These figures made contributions to Black history and, by extension, American history, that cannot be overstated.

Who was the first Black millionaire? ›

It denotes someone with an unusually high net worth who enjoys the freedoms and pleasures associated with that net worth. Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919), who started life as a Louisiana sharecropper born to formerly enslaved parents in 1867, is usually cited as the first Black millionaire.

Who was the first African American to appear on a US postage stamp? ›

The first U.S. stamp to honor an African American was the ten-cent Booker T. Washington stamp, issued in 1940. In 1978, the Postal Service initiated the Black Heritage stamp series, to recognize the achievements of individual African Americans.

What is the history of black people in the UK? ›

1792-1815 - Black soldiers and seamen settle in London after fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. 1833 - The Slavery Abolition Act becomes law in Britain. 1834 - There is a decline in the black population due to restrictions on immigration from Africa. 1880s - New black communities are formed in Liverpool and Cardiff.

How is Black History Month celebrated? ›

Since the mid-1970s, U.S. presidents have issued proclamations supporting ASALH's themes to celebrate African Americans' many achievements, culture and history. Join the museum each February and beyond for an array of events, programs and tours honoring the African American experience.

What is the UK disability history month? ›

Disability History Month (DHM) takes place in the UK between 16 November and 16 December. The 2023 theme was Disability, Children and Youth.

Does Ireland celebrate Black History Month? ›

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the history, lives and culture of the African diaspora. Black History month is celebrated in Ireland and UK from the 1st to the 31st of October, and in February in North America.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jamar Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 6425

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jamar Nader

Birthday: 1995-02-28

Address: Apt. 536 6162 Reichel Greens, Port Zackaryside, CT 22682-9804

Phone: +9958384818317

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Scrapbooking, Hiking, Hunting, Kite flying, Blacksmithing, Video gaming, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Jamar Nader, I am a fine, shiny, colorful, bright, nice, perfect, curious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.